Chapter 149: The Last Day Before the Confrontation Match
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 149: The Last Day Before the Confrontation Match
(Note: There was a major error in Chapter 147. The 182-person grand melee actually results in 18 spots for the Resurrection Match. I am so, so sorry! My math skills must have been taught by my gym teacher!)
"Not bad... hmm... but it feels like it's missing something..." The Senior Sister looked at her handiwork with excitement, but as a perfectionist regarding her own creations, she still felt a certain lack.
"How about this? Put on the Witch Four-Piece Set and let's do it one more time! That wide-brimmed witch hat will perfectly showcase your identity as a witch. Quick, quick, quick—adjust the lighting! Let's go again!"
"Huh? Again?"
In the end, I was dragged into another shoot. It wasn't until we selected the most satisfying shot from that long string of photos that the matter was finally settled.
I truly felt for the Senior Sister whose spell I had interrupted twice. Mental backlash is no joke; even a simple spell like the Fireball Spell can leave a person feeling miserable for a long time.
Unless someone frequently practices their backlash tolerance, failing a spell can be truly lethal—especially in the heat of a fierce battle. The window of vulnerability caused by an interrupted spell is long enough for someone to die several times over.
After bidding farewell to the photo studio, I let out a long sigh of relief. I had never been so averse to taking pictures. I’m never doing that again. And the makeup... I really don't want to experience that a second time, even if I did look quite beautiful afterward.
I’m all about that all-natural look. Makeup is practically a dark art!
"Xiao Han, you're done already?" Annie, who was still waiting in line, looked at me with envy as I walked out.
"Yeah, it was a bit of a hassle. The Senior Sister in charge of the photos was very demanding."
"Eh? Isn't it just a quick snap? Why were there requirements? Wait... you're wearing makeup! You definitely weren't wearing any just now."
"I was forced into it. I’m not actually a fan of makeup myself. Anyway, see you later. I need to go pick up the things I need for tomorrow."
"Okay, see ya~"
After saying goodbye to Annie, I headed off to collect my belongings. For instance, my contestant number tag for Class 14—this was the proof of my identity, and I had to wear it at all times tomorrow to show I was a participant.
I also had to register the alchemy items, potions, and other supplies I intended to use in the upcoming battles to ensure nothing violated the rules.
If I used something during a match that hadn't been registered, it would be caught during the post-match audit. Any violation would result in immediate disqualification, and the opponent would advance.
Of course, once the matches actually start, most people probably won't care unless the violation is glaringly obvious or someone reports it. Only then would the registered information actually matter.
As for the walkthrough at the Open-air Arena, that was being handled by volunteers who were guiding the students.
Alternatively, one could go with the teacher leading the group. However, due to the varying speeds of the photo shoots, we couldn't all go at once for a unified orientation. Instead, the teacher was taking us in batches.
I decided to go with the main group. When I found the teacher, I spotted a familiar face: Erica, the Class 13 Monitor.
"Xiao Han~ You're here! I was wondering—you were right behind me in line, so why did it take you so long to get here? And are you wearing light makeup?"
"Yeah, just a little. By the way, how are we getting to the arena? Did the teacher say?"
"The teacher arranged a bus. We'll head out as soon as this batch is full. Come on, let's talk on the bus." Erica pulled my hand with her usual familiarity as we prepared to board.
Ever since I got my flying broom, I rarely took the bus, but it was nice to ride it once in a while.
By the time we arrived, the arena was already surrounded by crowds of spectators.
Many people had heard that today was the final day before the competition, and since the contestants had to come here to familiarize themselves with the grounds, a massive crowd had gathered.
It was also a rare opportunity to see so many class monitors all at once.
Since school had been in session for several days, the various monitors had already developed their own fan bases. Even if they weren't "fans" per se, students from the same class would come to show their support.
Even more people were there hoping to catch a glimpse of this year's Full Score Academic God. Rumors about her had been circulating since before the term even started.
Now, there were even rumors that Tan Han's current strength was comparable to the Senior Sisters from previous years, and that she possessed a terrifyingly powerful spell with a mana cost in the thousands.
There were even blurry videos circulating on the Academy Network claiming to show Tan Han dueling a Senior Sister, though their authenticity couldn't be verified yet.
The Transcendent world is just that simple: people worship strength. Strength is the foundation of everything and the most direct manifestation of one's value.
I sat at the very back of the bus. Tan Han wasn't on board; she had likely already left. As for familiarizing herself with the grounds?
She probably knew the place inside out already. Besides, she had a flight license and could fly there herself.
If even Teacher Ji Niang could provide me with a broom, I didn't believe for a second that Tan Han wouldn't have one. Plus, she was a "rich woman"—she might have even bought her own.
"Look! It's our class monitor! They're here!"
"Wait, really?"
"I've been camping out here for ages."
"Monitor~ Look over here! I'm here to cheer for you~"
"Minian~ Over here! I finally caught you!"
As the students stepped off the bus, it immediately triggered a wave of heated discussion. People who recognized the contestants called out their names.
I, however, was more focused on how much the place had changed. It was far more lively than yesterday, and I could only imagine how much more boisterous it would be tomorrow.
I scanned the area to see if any members of Class 14 had come to join the fun.
It was a bit hard to recognize people in the crowd. After all, we had only known each other for a little over a week, and since I didn't attend classes with them often, many faces were still unfamiliar.
When I finally spotted a familiar face, they either weren't looking my way or were too far away. I simply waved and greeted those I managed to make eye contact with.
Fortunately, Class 14 didn't have the type of students who would crazily swarm their monitor for "skinship." Watching that happen to others from the back made me feel a bit embarrassed for them, especially in front of so many people.
Luckily, the teacher in charge maintained order. Since we didn't have a superstar like Tan Han in our group, the crowd eventually thinned out.
"Xiao Han~"
Just as I was about to follow the group inside, I heard someone call my name. That familiar voice made me turn around instantly, and there she was.
"Sister Bai!" I exclaimed in surprise, though I immediately lowered my voice to avoid attracting too much curiosity.
I hadn't told Sister Bai about this. How did she know to meet me here?
"Xiao Han~ How is it? Didn't expect to see me waiting for you, did you?" Sister Bai naturally blended into the line. Since this was just a walkthrough and not the official start of the competition, guests were allowed to follow along.
There were plenty of other students following the group up ahead.
"I really didn't. Have you been waiting long, Sister Bai?"
"Not long. I just happened to be in the area. I heard the contestants would be here for a rehearsal today, so I thought I'd try my luck. And look at that—I found you!" Sister Bai said with a beaming smile. As for whether that was the whole truth, only Bai Yu herself knew.
However, Bai Yu immediately noticed that I was wearing makeup. The exquisite, light makeup certainly made me look even more beautiful than my usual bare-faced self, making Bai Yu's heart skip a beat the moment she saw me.
"What is it, Sister Bai? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Ah, nothing. I just think Xiao Han looks truly beautiful today," Bai Yu praised sincerely. "Did you do this makeup yourself?"
"Oh, this? I had it done earlier when they were taking the full-body photos of the contestants. I didn't really want to, but I couldn't win against that Senior Sister."
"Actually, a little bit of dressing up makes Xiao Han even prettier," Bai Yu couldn't help but suggest. After all, seeing such a cute and refined Xiao Han every day would make her very happy; it was a treat for the eyes.
"No way. I don't like the feeling of those cosmetics on my face." Even though I said that, I hadn't removed it yet. Otherwise, a single Cleaning Spell would have wiped it all away.
"Alright, alright~ If you don't like it, you don't have to. But Xiao Han, if you're worried about the feeling, you could try products made from natural materials. The top-tier alchemical products are guaranteed to have no side effects and are even good for your skin."
"Fine... since Sister Bai is recommending them so highly, I'll give them a try once I'm rich."
As I continued chatting with Sister Bai, the teacher led us into the arena.
The interior of the arena was already fully set up. A massive Ley Line Projection in the sky was looping information about the Freshman Competition. The vast central grounds had been divided into several numbered match zones.
To make things easier, everyone was given a schedule. It was precise down to the minute, detailing exactly what we should be doing and when, to prevent anyone from going missing. After all, once the matches began, failing to show up at the designated time would result in a forfeit.
After the teacher explained tomorrow's gathering time and we did a quick rehearsal of the opening ceremony, the session came to an end.
The remaining time was ours to use as we pleased. However, we were also informed that the contestants had the right to have their expenses reimbursed during the competition period.
By using our contestant numbers, we could directly write off costs. Of course, there was a limit; as long as it wasn't anything ridiculous, it was more than enough. You couldn't use the money to go on a wild shopping spree.
Additionally, each contestant received one ticket for a seat in the Open-air Arena with an excellent view. It was a shame there was only one; tickets for the Freshman Competition were notoriously hard to get and required lightning-fast reflexes. Most people had to settle for the live broadcast.
I was torn about who to give the ticket to. Originally, I thought of Sister Bai, but she had already snagged a ticket in advance. Among the people I knew, there didn't seem to be anyone else I particularly wanted to give it to.
I had thought about asking Senior Sister Ying Shiqian and her friend, but there were two of them and I only had one ticket. I asked symbolically anyway, only to find out they had already secured theirs. It seemed the Senior Sisters were quite fast on the draw.
Our class group chat was in an uproar, with everyone complaining about failing to get tickets.
In the end... I gave the ticket to Tu Xingyue, the Vice Monitor of Class 14.
How should I put it... she was someone I wanted to be on good terms with. After all, she was the one managing the class in my stead. I also hoped this might change her impression of me.
As for whether she would accept it—well, she hadn't managed to get a ticket, and I had already sent it and told her.
She’d probably come, right?
She was so invested in the Freshman Competition, after all. She had even gone out of her way to confront me about it before, so she must care a lot.
Thinking back, it wasn't really a big deal. As long as I did my best, that was enough.
With the day's hassles over, I went back early to rest and recharge. Tomorrow was the official start, and just to be safe, I set several alarms.
I didn't even have the energy to deal with my excited roommates when I got back.
As for... spell research... missing one night wouldn't hurt.
The first match is tomorrow. At worst, I'll have time after it's over. It won't be too late to dive back into research then.